Original U.S. WWII M8 Pyrotechnic 37mm Flare Signal Pistol by SWC - Serial 262463

Original Item: Only One Available. Very nice condition 37mm big-bore signal pistol of WW2. The barrel has studs for attachment to a flare port in the fuselage of large aircraft such as bombers. The right side of the frame is marked inside a triangle:

M
S  W  C
U.S. PROPERTY
PISTOL PYROTECHNIC M-8

This example is offered in very good fully functional condition, and is marked on the spine of the grip with SERIAL No 253748. Most of the original finish is present, even the paint on the aluminum portions. It is marked with the U.S. Ordnance "Crossed Cannons" and "P" on the bottom of the grip. Pistol has an intact firing pin, and operates correctly.

This is a flare pistol, mainly used during and after WW2 in aircraft. Although intended to be mounted in the M1 aircraft mount, this flare pistol can be used as a conventional flare pistol. The barrel hinges down to allow removing a spent cartridge or loading a cartridge from the breech end of the barrel. But a grooved type cartridge can be loaded from the muzzle end of the barrel.

Designed during WW2 to be manufactured by the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co. and so uses metal stamping instead of machined parts. The frame is cast aluminum. We have attempted to find who the manufacturer of this pistol is, but unfortunately we have not been able to find a maker list.

The two levers on the top of the barrel give it a very unique look. The top hook shaped lever when pulled back allows the pistol to be installed or removed from the M1 mount in an aircraft.